If You're Thinking About Starting An Agency - DO NOT USE BULLHORN AS A CRM / ATS!
If You’re Thinking About Starting An Agency - DO NOT USE BULLHORN AS A CRM / ATS!
As I approach the nine-month mark since launching my own agency, I can confidently say that my biggest mistake to date has been the choice of CRM/ATS. In hindsight, I realize that investing time in researching different options could have saved me from a myriad of headaches. Unfortunately, I opted for Bullhorn, and the experience has been nothing short of a nightmare.
The Nightmarish Reality of Using Bullhorn
1. Performance Issues
The software itself is painfully slow. I’ve tested it on eight different computers, including a brand new $5K top-of-the-line MacBook, and the performance has been consistently poor. Waiting for pages to load can feel like an eternity, which is unacceptable in a fast-paced recruiting environment.
2. Misleading Implementation Costs
Bullhorn’s marketing touts no implementation costs, but this is misleading. If you want to integrate with job boards (a necessity for any recruiting agency), be prepared for hidden costs that can quickly add up. This lack of transparency has left me feeling frustrated and deceived.
3. Unreliable Job Board Integration
The job board that links to your website works only 30-40% of the time and often stops functioning without warning. This inconsistency can lead to missed opportunities and creates an additional burden on your agency as you scramble to troubleshoot issues.
4. Poor Customer Support
Getting direct support from Bullhorn is nearly impossible. The process of creating a support ticket feels like an obstacle course, and when you finally do get help, it often leads to more frustration. The support team seems more inclined to defer you to their forums rather than provide the technical expertise required to resolve pressing issues.
5. Inefficient Indeed Integration
The integration with Indeed has been particularly problematic. I often find myself billed for applicants that Bullhorn fails to send to my CRM, which leads to unnecessary expenses and confusion. This inconsistency can significantly impact your agency’s budget and overall efficiency.
6. Terrible Resume Parsing
The resume parsing feature is a major letdown. When reviewing applicants, resumes are jumbled into one massive wall of text devoid of spacing and formatting. This challenge is especially daunting for newbie recruiters who rely on clear, organized information to make informed decisions.
7. Cumbersome Employee Management
Setting up and disabling employees is a convoluted process. It often requires creating a ticket to enable permissions that should be manageable directly from the Admin user interface. This inefficiency can lead to delays and frustration for agency leaders trying to manage their teams.
8. Deflection to Forums
When seeking support, the customer service team often directs you to their forums, even when your issue clearly requires technical expertise. This approach only adds to the frustration and can leave you feeling isolated and unsupported.
TL;DR: Avoid Bullhorn at All Costs
If you choose Bullhorn as your CRM/ATS, you may find yourself in a perpetual state of frustration. The software’s performance issues, misleading costs, unreliable integrations, and lack of support overshadow any potential benefits. My experience has taught me that not all ATS options are created equal, and while many have their flaws, some simply suck less.
What Should You Use Instead?
While my experience with Bullhorn has been disheartening, it raises an important question: What are the alternatives? Here are a few CRM/ATS options that may serve you better:
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Greenhouse: Known for its user-friendly interface and strong integration capabilities, Greenhouse is a solid choice for agencies seeking efficiency and support.
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Lever: This platform emphasizes collaboration and offers robust reporting features, making it a favorite among tech startups and recruiting firms alike.
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Jobvite: With strong social recruiting features and an intuitive dashboard, Jobvite is great for agencies looking to enhance their engagement with candidates.
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SmartRecruiters: This ATS is celebrated for its ease of use and candidate-friendly experience, making it an excellent choice for agencies focused on improving their hiring processes.
Investing time in the right CRM/ATS is crucial for any recruitment agency. Take the time to explore your options, ask for trial periods, and seek feedback from other users before making a decision. Your agency’s success may very well depend on it.